Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Andrews, Anthony
Keywords
Cache, Archaeology, Maya, Cosmology
Area of Concentration
Anthropology
Abstract
The interment of artifacts in caches among the ancient Maya have proven to be an important feature of the worldviews and cultural facets of functioning urban centers. The "shaft caches" recovered from Structure 4 at the site of Blue Creek, Belize reveal information that aids our understanding of the Maya. The caches reflect the wealth of Blue Creek at the time of their interment during the Early Classic Period and before the progression ending in the city's abandonment during the Terminal Classic Period. This study will entail comparing the recovered data from the "shaft caches" found at Blue Creek with other caches and artifacts found in the larger Maya area of Belize. The comparison will allow us to get a better understanding of the cultural practices and functions of the ancient Maya city. The interment of the caches represents the peak of the city's wealth in the Early Classic Period and gives insight about the site's growth, decline and abandonment in the Terminal Classic Period. More specifically, the analysis will give us insight to the manner and purpose of the ritual in which the artifacts were deposited.
Recommended Citation
Pedersen, Lyssabeth C., "The Shaft Caches of Structure 4 at Blue Creek, Belize An Analysis of the Archaeological Evidence and Symbolism of the Feature and its Presumed Interment Ceremony" (2012). Theses & ETDs. 4661.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4661
Rights
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